Changes to Marlies coaching

The Leafs have announced that Gord Dineen has been named head coach of the American Hockey League’s Toronto Marlies. Dineen becomes the fifth head coach in Marlies franchise history. Along with the appointment of Dineen, Derek King has been promoted to associate coach.

Dineen, 51, had previously served as an assistant coach with the Marlies for the past five seasons. Over that span, Dineen helped lead the team to a record of 202-139-17-30, three consecutive North Division championships and one Western Conference title.

Dineen has served as a head coach in the American Hockey League on one previous occasion, leading the Iowa Chops to a record of 33-33-0-14 in 2008-09. Throughout his coaching career, Dineen has also been an assistant coach with the Springfield Falcons, Utah Grizzlies, San Antonio Rampage and Portland Pirates.

The Toronto, Ontario native was drafted 42nd overall by the New York Islanders during the 1981 NHL Draft. During his playing career, Dineen registered 106 points (16 goals, 90 assists) in 528 NHL games as a defenceman. Over his NHL career, he played for the New York Islanders, Minnesota North Stars, Pittsburgh Penguins and Ottawa Senators.

King, 47, had spent the previous five seasons as an assistant coach with the Marlies alongside Dineen. King started his coaching career as a player-assistant with the Grand Rapids Griffins in 2002.

The Hamilton, Ontario native is a former 13th overall draft pick of the New York Islanders in the 1985 NHL Draft. During his playing career, King registered 612 points (261 goals, 351 assists) in 830 NHL games while playing for the New York Islanders, Hartford Whalers, Toronto Maple Leafs and St. Louis Blues.